Ryan Press writes:
>
> Yah the transaxle feels tight, shifts good.  About 120k miles (odo broke,
> been fixed since).
>
> I hope it's not a transaxle, trying to fix this up on the cheap.  I've
> owned about 10 various cars so far, never heard a sound like this.  I had
> a '68 Ford truck once that the rear diff was so loose you could turn the
> driveshaft about 25 degrees by hand with the wheels still.  Made a THWUNK
> sound when you put it in gear and going down hills.  Never made a grindy
> sound though.
>
> Can I check the diff by leaving it in first gear say, and jacking up one
> wheel and turning it back and forth to see if it feels sloppy?  How much
> would a "good" transaxle move in this situation?

Hi Ryan,

A diff can be noisy without exhibiting excess free play.

Why not get a knowledgeable mechanic to ride with you and listen to the
problem?

Tony